As a growing number of families seek child-centered education alternatives, Montessori schools—public and private –are expanding to meet the need. There are an estimated 5,000 Montessori schools in the United States, about 500 of which are operated in the public sector as district, magnet or charter schools.

And with the growth of Montessori has come new education employment opportunities for teachers in traditional schools and those in other fields who may be interested in a meaningful career change.

West Virginia’s original Montessori school, Mountaineer Montessori, is holding a two-part “career fair” to introduce Montessori principles and its school to individuals who want to learn more about the education method based on the scientific work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician.

“It’s the way education is supposed to be.” That’s how some teachers describe working in a Montessori classroom, where learning is student-led and adults serve as a guide to support children to take their interests and abilities as far as they can.

The career fair will include a virtual presentation on Tuesday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m., followed by in-person classroom tours at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, at 4801 Staunton Avenue.

RVSP is required and space is limited. Tours are for adults only and participation in the Zoom presentation is required for tour admission.

Register here 

Mountaineer Montessori School (MMS) has experienced significant growth in recent years, with enrollment more than doubling in the past decade and new programs and facilities opened to meet the demand. Founded in 1976, MMS serves 180 children ages 2-eighth grade, and anticipates upwards of 200 students next year. The school moved to the former St. Agnes campus at 4801 Staunton Avenue in August to accommodate increased enrollment and started a toddler classroom this year at its former location at 308 20^th Street.

“Families come to us looking for high-quality education options in an environment that respects their children as individuals and nurtures them as a whole child,” said MMS Director Jennifer Carriger. “Our programs foster each child’s intellectual, social and emotional growth at every stage of development and inspire a lifetime love of learning.

“The career fair is designed to encourage those from all backgrounds to look at Montessori as a career possibility. There are potential opportunities in the classroom, administration and specialty areas, both full and part time” she said.

“We love sharing the Montessori story with the community,” Carriger added.

MMS offers an expansive academic and arts curriculum that meets and exceed state standards. Children work in multi-age, developmentally-based cohorts in carefully prepared classroom environments that have been described as “laboratories of learning.” The classroom experience is enriched with music, art, physical education, Spanish, STEM, peace education, entrepreneurship and summer learning opportunities, as well as a learning support program. Learning goes beyond the classroom and into the school’s four-acre campus greenspace, the community and throughout the state.

MMS is an independent, non-profit school governed by an elected board of directors comprised of parent, faculty and community representatives. Expenses are funded through tuition, fundraising, grants and partnerships. Financial aid is available and the school offers more than $50,000 in tuition grants and scholarships to area families each year.